Former teammates remember Thomas Howard

12:47 AM,
Nov. 20, 2013

Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Thomas Howard (53) reacts after a first quarter stop against the Houston Texans during their AFC Wild Card Playoff Game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas on Jan. 7, 2012. The Enquirer/Jeff Swinger

Written by

Joe Reedy

Marvin Lewis had a simple message for his players before they left for their bye week - don't take things for granted and understand that each and every decision you make can affect everyone.

That message hit home Tuesday as many in the locker room were still trying to grasp Monday's news about the death of Thomas Howard. The former Bengals linebacker was killed near his home of Alameda, Calif., in a high-speed automobile collision.

In remembering Howard, whose No. 53 jersey was hanging in the defense's meeting room, many of the same words were used - caring, great teammate, friend and person on ...